I have this little book…

Honestly, I have more Bibles and devotional books than any one person should admit. I love words. I love books. Especially those filled with Truth! I do have a few devotional books that are like old friends. They are my “go-to” books year after year. Most of them are worn, in need of rebinding, marked-up and tear-stained.

But I have this one little book whose permanent home is my nightstand. It’s simply Scripture verses — a morning reading and an evening reading. Each day’s reading begins with one particular verse and the verses that follow all relate to a concept or truth in that main verse.

There is no commentary.

There is no devotional thought.

There are no questions to ponder.

Just you, the Word of God and His Spirit at work within you.

I love it!

God uses that little book to speak Truth into my life more than any other devotional book I own. I’ll read a truth in the morning or evening and spend days pondering one verse or phrase. God uses it to…

Prick my heart.

Renew my mind.

Refocus my thinking.

Adjust my attitude.

Energize me.

Encourage me.

It’s dated so you can pick up reading at any point. If you miss a day, it’s not the end of the world. No need to feel like you’ve failed or have to catch up (so you give up instead). It’s easy. It’s simple. It’s freeing. And because the Word of God is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb 4:12), this little book never gets old. I never tire of it.

On January 3 one of the verses I read was Isaiah 58:11:

The Lord will guide you continually,And satisfy your soul in drought,And strengthen your bones;You shall be like a watered garden,And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. —Isaiah 58:11

Two words struck me hard…Satisfy. Strengthen.

Just hit me right where I was that day!

I was struggling with contentment, wanting more, nurturing an ungrateful spirit.

But the Truth: He will satisfy desires in scorched places! HE. WILL. SATISFY because He IS my joy.

I was weary. Just plain tired. Half my head had lots of plans and ideas and projects and things to dream, create and accomplish. Half my head had given up. Just no energy to even think about what HAD to be done, much less what I DESIRED to do.

But the Truth: He strengthens. His grace is sufficient for the task at hand. (2 Cor. 12:9) He calls me to come to Him when I’m weary and worn and overwhelmed and find rest. (Matt. 11:28) He IS my strength.

I’ve been pondering and recalling to mind those two little words of Truth for the past several days — Satisfies. Strengthens. My Jesus does this for me. He satisfies and strengthens. These truths have encouraged, motivated, energized and focused me. They have given me hope. They have filled me with joy.

Many times a particular verse or word prompts further study. In the days ahead I’ll be scanning my Bible concordance for other verses on satisfaction and strength. I’ll journal and make notes and pose questions to consider as I meditate on this verse and these words. I love how something simple can lead to something deeper. It cultivates growth in my life and allows the Word to permeate my heart, mind and soul.

This little book is probably my favorite devotional, and apart from the Bible itself, one that encourages and refines me more than any other. If you’re wondering…what’s the book? I’ll share. It’s Daily Light for Your Daily Path (LuxLeather) by Samuel Bagster.

Praying this encourages you today. May you be renewed in the truth of God’s Word and walk in the light of His grace.